Blue Origin

RF Communication Engineer III, In Space Systems (ISS)

Blue Origin$119K — $167K *
Aerospace & Defense
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related technical field
  • 4+ years of experience in avionics and communication systems
  • Knowledge of communication system design, radios, antennas, and RF components
  • Experience with electromagnetic simulations (HFSS, CST)
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Collaborative mindset for a dynamic work environment
  • U.S. citizenship or lawful resident status required

Responsibilities

  • Architect and deploy mission-critical RF communication systems
  • Own end-to-end system performance including link budget and noise analysis
  • Design and execute RF test campaigns for hardware validation
  • Drive procurement strategy from supplier selection to management
  • Define and maintain system architecture and performance parameters
  • Coordinate critical interfaces across space and ground systems
  • Manage configuration control and documentation for programs
  • Support integration labs, testing, and on-console operations during launches

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, vision insurance, and supplemental life insurance
  • Paid parental leave and short/long-term disability
  • 401(k) plan with up to 5% company match
  • Education Support Program
  • Stock options for all employees working at least 20 hours/week
  • Up to four weeks paid time off annually and 14 paid holidays
Full Job Description
Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.

The role is part of the In-Space Systems business unit, which is focused on addressing two of the most compelling challenges in spaceflight today: space infrastructure and increasing mobility on-orbit.

As part of our RF Communications team, you'll have end-to-end ownership of next-generation spacecraft RF and optical communication systems, from analysis and design through manufacturing, test, and on-orbit operations. This isn't a narrow role - your fingerprints will be on the full subsystem lifecycle, including specifications, procurement, AI&T execution, and mission support.

We're looking for a sharp RF engineer with a foundation in satellite communications and systems engineering who thrives in a fast-paced environment and isn't afraid to lead.

Special Mentions:
  • Relocation provided
  • Top Secret clearance desired
  • Travel expected up to 25% of the time


Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:
  • Architect and deploy mission-critical RF communications systems - from concept through checkout - enabling real-time telemetry, video, and data flows for reusable spacecraft operations
  • Own end-to-end system performance, including link budget, phase noise, coverage analyses, and requirements verification across all phases of flight
  • Design and execute RF test campaigns spanning bench, integrated systems, and field environments to validate hardware against specifications and ensure full interoperability
  • Drive procurement strategy from supplier vetting and selection through ongoing management, ensuring hardware meets rigorous mission requirements
  • Define and maintain system architecture, including sizing, requirements derivation, and performance parameters for next-generation communications solutions
  • Coordinate critical interfaces across space relay platforms, ground stations, and internal C&DH/payload subsystems to ensure seamless end-to-end connectivity
  • Own configuration control and documentation, maintaining detailed functional/logical diagrams, asset inventories, and procedures that keep fast-moving programs on track
  • Be in the action - support hardware integration labs, vehicle testing, peer reviews, and sit on-console during Launch and Early Operations to see your work fly


Minimum Qualifications
  • B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Physics or related technical subject area
  • At least 4+ years of experience in avionics and communication systems development and verification
  • Knowledge of communication systems for system design, radios, antennas, RF components, waveforms.
  • Experience performing electromagnetic (EM) simulations using tools like HFSS, CST, or TICRA to optimize antenna performance and coverage
  • Excellent verbal, written, and graphical communication skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast paced, dynamic work environment
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum


Preferred Qualifications
  • M.S. in Electrical Engineering, or related technical subject area
  • Experience performing satellite link budget simulations using mission design tools such as ANSYS Systems Tool Kit (STK)
  • 3+ years of experience with SATCOM, microwave LOS, or other RF communications systems
  • Knowledge of RF circuit design, layout, fabrication, and testing.
  • Proficiency in waveform design, algorithms development (including Matlab/Simulink simulations) or networking.
  • Experience with software tools such as DOORS Next Generation, Cameo, Confluence, JIRA, Git, Creo, and Windchill


Compensation Range for:
CO applicants is $119,814.00 - $167,738.55WA applicants is $130,706.00 - $182,987.70

Other site ranges may differ

Benefits
  • Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
  • Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
  • Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
  • Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.


Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

About Blue Origin

Blue Origin is an aerospace company that develops rockets and spacecraft for commercial and government customers. The company's products include the New Shepard suborbital vehicle and the New Glenn orbital rocket. Blue Origin was founded in 2000 by Jeff Bezos and is headquartered in Kent, Washington.
Learn more about Blue Origin
Size
3,000 employees
Industry
Founded
2000

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